How to Grow Lacinato Kale – A Hearty and Nutritious Supergreen
About Lacinato Kale
Also known as Dinosaur Kale or Tuscan Kale, Lacinato Kale is a beloved heirloom variety with dark green, deeply textured leaves and a rich, earthy flavor. A staple in Mediterranean cuisine and modern health-conscious diets, this kale is known for its cold tolerance, strong nutrition profile, and continuous harvest throughout the season.
At OrganicIndiaSeeds.com, we offer premium Lacinato Kale seeds that are perfect for home gardeners looking to grow reliable, nutrient-dense greens naturally and organically.
Why Grow Lacinato Kale from Seeds
There are many benefits to choosing Lacinato Kale seeds for your kitchen garden:
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Packed with vitamins A, C, K, calcium, and antioxidants
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Offers a milder flavor than curly kale—perfect for raw or cooked dishes
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Thrives in both cool and warm climates with minimal care
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Provides a long, productive harvest window
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Ideal for raised beds, containers, or backyard vegetable plots
Growing Lacinato Kale from seeds gives you control over your soil quality and ensures a steady supply of chemical-free, fresh greens.
When to Plant Lacinato Kale Seeds
Proper timing will help you maximize yield and plant health:
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In cool climates, sow seeds 2–4 weeks before the last spring frost
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For fall harvest, plant seeds 10–12 weeks before the first frost
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In mild-winter zones, kale can be grown year-round
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Seeds germinate best at 10–21°C, sprouting in 5–10 days
Where to Plant Lacinato Kale
Lacinato Kale prefers sunny, well-drained locations but is highly adaptable:
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Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade
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Soil should be loamy, fertile, and rich in organic matter
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Raised beds, garden rows, or large containers work well
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Rotate crops annually to avoid soil-borne diseases
How to Plant Lacinato Kale Seeds
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Prepare soil by mixing in compost or aged manure
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Sow seeds ½ inch deep and 1 inch apart in rows
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Thin seedlings to 8–12 inches apart once they develop true leaves
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Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist
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Mulch around plants to retain moisture and reduce weeds
For container growing, select deep pots with drainage holes and fill with nutrient-rich potting mix.
How to Care for Lacinato Kale Plants
Lacinato Kale is a low-maintenance green with a high return:
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Water deeply and consistently, especially during dry spells
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Apply organic liquid fertilizer every 3–4 weeks
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Watch for pests like aphids and cabbage worms; remove manually or use neem spray
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Harvest lower leaves first to encourage upward growth
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Provide shade in hot climates to prevent early bolting
Companion Plants for Lacinato Kale
Growing Lacinato Kale alongside the right plants helps improve yield and pest resistance:
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Companions: onions, garlic, celery, dill, chamomile
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Avoid: planting near strawberries or other brassicas
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Marigolds and nasturtiums help repel aphids and whiteflies
Harvesting Lacinato Kale
Lacinato Kale can be harvested continuously for several months:
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Begin picking when leaves reach 6–8 inches in length
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Always harvest outer leaves first, leaving inner ones to grow
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The plant tolerates light frost, which enhances its sweetness
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Harvest in the morning for crisper, more flavorful leaves
Uses of Lacinato Kale
Versatile and delicious, Lacinato Kale is a culinary favorite:
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Use raw in salads, smoothies, or grain bowls
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Saute, steam, or bake for kale chips or side dishes
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Adds depth to soups, stews, and pasta
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Pairs well with garlic, lemon, olive oil, and Parmesan
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Stores well in the fridge and is easy to freeze for later use
Final Thoughts on Growing Lacinato Kale
Lacinato Kale is a powerhouse plant for organic gardeners—beautiful, nutritious, and easy to grow. Whether you're creating a productive kitchen garden or starting a healthy food journey, this kale variety offers year-round benefits and garden beauty.
Get your Lacinato Kale seeds from OrganicIndiaSeeds.com today and bring this heritage green superfood into your garden and kitchen.
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